
Conference Call Questions and Answers
In the world of business, the conference
call is still a critical way to get things done.
What
is a Conference Call?
A conference call is effectively a type of
telephone call that involves more than one party. Conference calls can be
designed to allow all parties the ability to talk on the call, while other
types of conference calls only allow some users to just listen to the
conversation.
Conference calls are sometimes called Auto
Tele-Conferences or ATCs.
How
Does a Conference Call Work?
A conference call usually takes place when
a caller telephones other participants and “adds” them to the conversation.
Other types of conference calls function with participants able to call in to
the conference call using a special phone number, called a “conference bridge,”
to connect to the call and participate in the discussion.
Most companies use a specialized service
provider to operate and maintain the conference bridge, to provide the phone
number for participants to call, and to manage PIN codes to allow conference
call members to access the call.
What
is Three-Way Calling?
Three-way calling is a more limited version
of a conference call. Home and office phone lines tend to offer some form of
three-way calling for an extra charge. As the name indicates, a three-way call
involves three participants.
How
Does a Three-Way Call Work?
A three-way call is initiated by the first
caller telephoning the first participant. With a hook/flash/recall button, the
other party is dialled and the hook/flash/recall button is pressed again to
connect the three participants. Because of this, callers can add another
outgoing call to the call that is already connected.
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